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Description
The cathedral in Monreale is a columned basilica with three aisles, in the shape of a cross, and its proportions are considerable (102m/335ft long, 40m/131ft wide, 35m/115ft high). The west side is a twin-towered facade (the left tower remains unfinished), typical of Norman architecture, in front of which an atrium formerly stood (where the present-day Piazza Guglielmo II now lies). Between the towers, as well as along the north side, a portico was later added, but the total effect remains to all intents and purposes undisturbed.

Leaving the cloister and going to the left along the front of the building, we pass through the next entrance to the belvedere, a small public park on a terrace, from where there is a beautiful view of the Oreto valley and the mountains opposite.

Very fine Romanesque cloisters, with spectacular mosaics. The interior greets the visitor with a flare of gold.
Hobbies & Activities category: Gold, silver, metalworking exhibit;  Christian sites;  Religious treasury
Attractions within Monreale Cathedral

Apse

The Saints Clement and Peter of Alexandria, Silvester and Thomas of Canterbury form the basis for the pictures in the apse. In the middle of the three sections the enthroned Mary is the central
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Nave

In the nave of Monreale Cathedral the pictures are arranged clockwise, as in the Cappella Palatina. As in that building, we begin looking on the south wall of the central aisle, at the left (east)
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Sanctuary

The sanctuary, which is separated off from the choir by a barrier and, in keeping with its spiritual significance, is slightly raised, begins at the transept and is almost as long as the lay room
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Sanctuary Tombs

In the right-hand aisle of the sanctuary we find the tomb of the Norman kings: the porphyry sarcophagus of William I (1154-66) and the marble sarcophagus in which William II (1166-89) rests. The
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Sanctuary Treasury

From the left-hand side of the sanctuary we come into the Cappella del Crocifisso (17th century) and to the cathedral treasure. In the south side aisle is the entrance to the Cappella San Benedetto
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Transept

The transept is devoted to the life and Passion of Jesus, the Resurrection and the apostles Paul and Peter.

In the transept we enter the world of the New Testament. The east sides are reserved for
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Choir

The choir is dominated by the image of Christ the Pantocrator, the ruler of the world, who has his place above his mother Mary.

At the threshold of the top end of the choir King William II is
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Exterior

The strongest impression presented by the exterior is on the east side, with its three apses, which is still as it originally was. With its overlapping ogival false arches and its varied
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Facade

To the right of the cathedral façade is the entrance to the famous cloister, the most significant remnant of the former Benedictine abbey, which was also built on William's instruction. The ruined
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Facade Southeast Corner

In the southeast corner there is a chapel with a fountain with ornamented columns of exceptional opulence inserted; in the center a pillar with a zigzag pattern and sculptured decoration at the top
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Impression

The impression which Monreale Cathedral leaves on every visitor derives on the one hand from the clear use of space, which is what enabled the idea of the simple basilica to gain acceptance,
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Interior

From the mystically shimmering gold background the biblical figures and scenes emerge, a complete cosmos of pictorial narration and preaching.

The interior has a nave with three aisles, which are
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Address
Monreale Cathedral
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele
I-90046 Monreale
Italy
Hours
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
Open8:008:008:008:008:008:008:00
Closed12:0012:0012:0012:0012:0012:0012:00
Open15:3015:3015:3015:3015:3015:3015:30
Closed18:0018:0018:0018:0018:0018:0018:00
Cost
FREE
Attractions Near Monreale Cathedral, Monreale
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